5 Notable Films To Watch This Black History Month

While we definitely honor and acknowledge black history all year round, February 1st marks the official start of Black History Month – a time of year where we pay homage to notable past, present and future black history makers.

We are all taught about African American history throughout our schools, jobs and even our everyday lives and it’s important that we continuously acknowledge where we came from so we know exactly where we are going and where we can go. As we’re celebrating the past achievements of notable African Americans this month, let’s revisit some important films that mirrored black culture, made us think and helped us grow. Here are notable films to watch this Black History Month.

“12 Years A Slave”

From director Steve McQueen, “12 Years A Slave” is one of this award season’s biggest films about the real-life story of Solomon Northup, a free black man living in the Civil War era that is kidnapped and sold into slavery, despite being born into freedom and living in New York. During his twelve years in captivity, Solomon experienced cruelty from his slave owner and witnessed unbearable actions towards the other slaves living on the plantation. In spite of Solomon’s hardships, he managed to stay alive and retain his dignity and finally met an abolitionist that would forever change his life.